Almost 50 per cent of the 113 community gardens (Kebuniti) across the country are in the commercialisation phase with some earning income of tens of thousands of ringgit per year.

National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang said the community gardens which are in the commercialisation phase are mostly in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

"At the initial stage, the programme started on a small scale for local residents to spend their time, but it has been growing. For example, a kebuniti in Terengganu is said to be able to earn up to RM70,000 a year after becoming a supplier of chilies and cucumbers to supermarkets.

"Following the overwhelming response and good results, we plan to expand the programme nationwide by opening 61 more gardens with the cooperation of the Agriculture Department," he told a press conference after visiting Taman Mutiara and Taman Koperasi kebuniti project site here today.

In the meantime, Aaron said the local authorities (PBTs) have also played a role in helping to implement the community programme.

"The PBT will assist but it is the Rukun Tetangga community that will be running the project...so if the community is interested and has vacant land, they can apply and after getting an approval, the Agriculture Department will provide them with seeds, fertilisers and other requirements to start cultivation.

He said the project could also be carried out on private land but prior approval is needed from the landowner, adding that apart from providing employment, the programme supports the food needs of the local population.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency